If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Threaded View

Signs and Entry Points to Mysticism

Though the heavens disappear in a burst of fervent heat and the
earth is obliterated out of existence - what will abide? Your
experience - or the Word of God?

TAKE HEED PASTORS! You may not want to agree with every
statement listed below; however, for the sake of your flock and the
Lordship of Christ, discern every form of mysticism clearly adverse
to Scripture and deal with it. By no means do I suggest a witch hunt.
At this time in the history of the Church, extreme caution is of the
utmost importance.

Signs and Entry Points to Mysticism

1. The cross of Christ is not the sole basis for redemption.

2. The Holy Scriptures are not the complete single revelation of God to man.

3. Experience is the way to perfection and knowledge.

4. Experience takes the precedence over the Scriptures.

5. Intuition is given preference to Scripture and sometimes a
substitute for the Holy Spirit.

6. Faith in the Word of God is defected to faith in the Church, man,
self, experience, etc.

7. Transubstantiation of the Eucharist becomes Christ in you - i.e.
symbols of Holy Communion namely the bread and the wine are
transformed into the literal flesh and blood of Jesus Christ.

8. Mediators other than Jesus Christ are acknowledged and believed
on.

9. Self is deified.

10. The allegorical method of interpretation replaces the literal.

11. Salvation is based on experience and not the Word of God.

12. The coming of Christ for His Church is spiritualised.

13. The presence of God is sought in a mystical sense.

14. Astrology (the Zodiac) is seen as an accessory to the Gospel - a
source of enlightenment.

15. The Church is the ongoing incarnation of the literal presence of
Christ.

16. Inner Healing, imagery, centering and "psychology" are
substituted for the power of the Gospel.

17. Personal revelations, dreams and visions are given priority to
Scripture as final reference in judgements, decisions and guidance.

18. Experiences are sought rather than God's will and His
righteousness.

19. A euphoric form of love and unity with little or no regard for
Scripture or sound doctrine.

20. Like Simon the sorcerer, signs and wonders are sought instead
of true repentance and a right heart before God.

22. Finding Christ or forming Christ within according to Eastern
mysticism or New Age philosophy.

23. Meditation void of the Scriptures and reality.

24. The obsession of "spiritual warfare" with a Gnostic and "New
Age" slant - allegedly doing battle in the supernatural realm to free
cities and areas from the control of spirit beings before the Gospel
can be preached effectively or have power to save sinners in the natural world.

True Spiritual Warfare

The Christian's battle (true spiritual warfare) is not a reeling, an
intuition or an imaginative experience in the spirit realm - however
real it might seem. On the contrary, the warfare is against every form
of mysticism that ties the feelings, intuition and imagination into the
spirit world which God strictly forbids. (Deut. 18:10-12). 26
As Christians we war against the strongholds of spirit mysticism
that war against our minds, feelings and intuitions. By the power of
the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified we cast down:
• Reasonings, pagan philosophies, Gnostic concepts and carnal dogmas that
nullify the Word of God.
• Imaginations, theories, religion, fables, metaphysics, theosophy and
meditations that defy the knowledge of God; and
• Every thought, form of godliness and spiritual intent or practice opposed
to the Gospel of Christ.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds: Casting down imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ . . . (2
Cor. 10:4-5

Strange Fire: The Rise of Gnosticism in the Church
By Travers and Jewel van der Merwe